RIYADH — In a move aimed at making religious travel more accessible, Saudi Arabia has announced that visitors and residents holding any type of visa will now be allowed to perform Umrah while staying in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah confirmed on Sunday.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the new directive extends Umrah eligibility to those with personal and family visit visas, electronic tourist visas, transit visas, work visas, and other valid entry permits. The ministry said the decision is part of the government’s wider efforts to simplify procedures for pilgrims and expand access to religious services under the Saudi Vision 2030 reform agenda.
“This step reflects the Kingdom’s continued commitment to welcoming Muslims from across the world and enabling them to perform their religious duties with comfort and peace of mind,” the ministry said in its statement.
Officials added that the move supports Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal of promoting religious tourism and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience through digital services and streamlined visa systems.
Millions of Muslims visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah each year for Haj and Umrah, with Pakistan among the countries receiving the largest pilgrimage quota.
Earlier this year, Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved the Haj Policy 2026, outlining the framework for logistical and financial facilitation of pilgrims in future Haj seasons.
The latest Saudi announcement has been widely welcomed across the Muslim world, as it removes one of the key restrictions that previously limited Umrah to specific visa holders marking another significant step toward the Kingdom’s vision of making religious travel open and convenient for all Muslims.
